HONDA JAZZ HATCHBACK 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid Crosstar Advance 5dr eCVT

Honda's fourth generation Jazz supermini delivers more of a lifestyle feel in this Crosstar form. Jonathan Crouch takes a drive in the improved version.

Ten Second Review

The Jazz Crosstar is intended by Honda to bring more of a lifestyle vibe to the Jazz supermini range and, like the standard model, gets a full hybrid engine. With the Crosstar, now lightly improved, there's most of what you'd get with a small SUV - including a bit of extra ride height. But none of the crossover compromises you won't want to make if at heart you're still a supermini buyer.

Background

These days, if you don't have exactly the right kind of SUV-style crossover model for every conceivable market segment, it seems you have to create one. This trend is perhaps most obvious at the smallest end of the crossover market. If your brand doesn't have a really small SUV model in the style of a Nissan Juke or a Volkswagen T-Cross, it's a potential problem. Which is why Ford had to jazz up its Fiesta supermini to create the Fiesta Active. And Audi felt the need to rugged-ise the A1 to create the A1 Citycarver. Honda is in much the same boat. For crossover buyers, it doesn't have anything smaller than the HR-V. Hence the reason why the brand's fourth generation Jazz supermini range includes the SUV-style Crosstar model we going to look at here. Changes over the standard car are fairly minimal, so there's the same full-hybrid engine under the bonnet and the same clever 'Magic seat' system inside. But this Crosstar variant will make much more of a statement on the school run. And has recently been usefully improved.

Driving Experience

Thanks to a 37mm increase in ride height, the Crosstar version of this Jazz should be able to offer increased suspension travel, but any benefit is difficult to sense on the road in comparison with the standard version. There are no mechanical changes over the ordinary car and there's no kind of front wheel grip control system either. Like all current Jazz models, this one comes only with one engine - the brand's e:HEV powertrain. This is a full-Hybrid unit - so properly electrified like a Toyota Yaris Hybrid, rather than being only mildly electrified like the MHEV unit you can now have in a Ford Fiesta. The difference is important because a full-Hybrid can have far more reliance on battery power, especially in urban conditions. In this case, it's a 1.5-litre unit which uses two electric motors and a compact lithium-ion battery pack. The combustion engine sends drive through a clever fixed-gear auto transmission which Honda says has been revised to improve smoothness and driveability; it's certainly better than the belt-driven CVT set-up that Toyota uses in its Hybrids. Recent revisions to other parts of the car's clever e:HEV powetrain have seen efficiency, driveability and output increased. The electric drive motor has seen a 14PS increase, taking its total output to 122PS, while the generator motor has also seen an increase in power (8kW), taking it to a peak of 106PS. Basically the whole set-up is still a downsized version of the 2.0-litre electrified engine used in the CR-V Hybrid and as there, you get selectable drive modes. Most of the time at the wheel of this Honda you'll be in 'Hybrid Drive', which combines the engine and the battery pack in the most efficient way possible while recovering electricity from deceleration and storing it for future use. 'EV Drive' forces the Jazz to run in electric-only mode (though it can only do that for very short distances). And the 'Engine Drive' setting combines the petrol engine and the electric motor output for maximum performance. In this mode, the e:HEV powertrain gives this Jazz a 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 107mph. This revised model can now tow - up to half a tonne.

Design and Build

The revised version of this Jazz Crosstar features several exterior revisions that heighten its tougher, more adventurous appearance. The more defined grille features a pronounced honeycomb design and is paired with revised bumpers, which feature silver inserts designed to look like underbody protection, and new, matching side skirts. Rounding out the revisions are a smarter finish for the alloy wheels, and the introduction of a new exterior colour: Fjord Mist blue. As before, you also get roof rails and silver-coloured door mirrors with integrated LED indicators. Along with a 37mm ride height increase. And there's the option of 2-tone paint which gives you a gloss black roof, all in an attempt to introduce more of a Crossover vibe to this supermini. As with standard Jazz, this car is pretty compact, measuring in at about 4-metres in length. Inside, the Crosstar's interior features new seat upholstery as well as revisions to the dash and door cards along with a smarter trim finish for the dashboard, centre console, and minimalist two-spoke steering wheel. As before, there's also water-repellent fabric upholstery. Plus you get a premium audio system. Otherwise it's just as it would be on an ordinary top spec Jazz model. There are wide 'body-stabilising' front seats supposed to reduce fatigue on longer journeys and the dash has a minimalist, uncluttered look. Its centre touchscreen has smartphone-style swipe technology and incorporates wireless 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. There's also a digital instrument cluster. Perhaps the best news though, is that Honda's clever 'Magic Seat' design remains in the rear, giving owners the option of either folding the rear bench flat or flipping up the seat bases to create a taller load space. Boot capacity is 298-litres with the rear seat in place - or 1,203-litres with it folded.

Market and Model

Prices for this Jazz Crosstar start from just over £29,000 in the single spec available - top 'Advance' trim. You can pay a little extra (just over £600 more) for two-tone paint, but otherwise there aren't too many other options. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and automatic headlights, plus there's 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. Infotainment and connectivity benefit from a sophisticated voice command system, the Honda 'Personal Assistant', first seen on the little Honda e. This is basically a next-generation voice control system in that it can respond to multiple commands: for instance "OK Honda, find me an Indian restaurant with WiFi and free parking". The set-up would then display suitable options on the fascia's central touchscreen before plotting a route to the chosen destination. With this car, Honda is also offering the latest version of its Honda+ smartphone app, which includes remote vehicle locking and unlocking, plus 'intelligent geofencing', which alerts an owner if the vehicle breaches a pre-set 'geofence' zone. Plus there's the ability to send journey information from the app to the car's navigation system.

Cost of Ownership

You'd hope that with all that hybrid technology on board, this Jazz would be a frugal thing and, by and large, it is. The Crosstar model has claimed WLTP-rated combined cycle economy and emissions figures of 58.9mpg and 109g/km (down from 62.8mpg and 102g/km in the standard model). Insurance is group 19A. Many customers will want to budget ahead for scheduled maintenance with fixed-price scheme called 'Five'. It includes five years' worth of maintenance, an extended warranty for this period and roadside assistance breakdown cover should the unexpected happen. This can be transferred to a new owner if you sell the car before the service plan has expired. Residual values are expected to be significantly better than most other supermini segment rivals. And the three year 90,000 mile warranty is better than the package you get from many competitors too. In addition, surface corrosion is covered for three years, exhaust corrosion is covered for five years, chassis corrosion is covered for ten years and structural corrosion for twelve years.

Summary

There are two schools of thought when it comes to reviewing cars like this. Some see them as cynical marketing exercises, models that pretend SUV-ness but without any real substance. Others take the view that most purpose-designed small crossovers lack much SUV substance anyway, so in many ways, choosing a dressed-up lifestyle-orientated supermini makes just as much sense. We incline towards the latter view - as will folk interested in this Jazz Crosstar. It's about as suited to off piste motoring as a Land Rover Defender is to a racetrack, but that won't trouble those who visit a Honda showroom in search of a standard Jazz, then spot one of these in the corner. It is, as Honda says 'a hybrid to fit into your life'.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Front and rear electric windows

Auto wipers

Brakes

Brake assist function

Hill start assist

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Collision mitigation braking system

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Brake hold function

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle stability assist

Communication

Bluetooth hands free telephone connection

Wireless apple carplay

eCall emergency call system - ecall functionality is subject to 2G/3G network availability

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Rear view camera

Lane departure warning system

Lane keep assist system

Front and rear parking sensors

Emergency stop signalling system

Forward collision warning

Traffic sign recognition

Adjustable speed limiter

Road departure mitigation

Idle stop

Driver attention monitoring system

Electric power steering wheel with variable gear ratio steering

Low speed following

Agile handling assist

Intelligent speed limiter

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Driver Information

Multi-information display

Traffic jam assist

Econ mode

Honda CONNECT with Navigation 9" touchscreen, AM/FM/DAB, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, live traffic info

Driving Mirrors

Heated door mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Aspheric door mirrors

Electric adjustable door mirrors

Electrically folding door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Soft pad leather interior panels

Entertainment

Remote audio controls on steering wheel

'Shark fin' mobile antenna

2x USB Front socket (1 data & 1 charge)

2 USB-C connectors rear

180w Power audio system with 4 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Roof rails

Body colour door handles

Body coloured front grille

Single exhaust tailpipe

eHEV emblem

Rear side wing doors

Exclusive styling includes front and rear bumper, front fog garnish, silver fender, side sill garnish

Black H badge

Exterior Lights

Manual headlight levelling

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

LED rear lights

LED front fog lights

Auto high beam assist

Automatic headlights with on/off timer, Coming/leaving home function

LED 3rd brake light

Black headlight extension

LED front turn light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Climate control air conditioning

Interior Features

Leather steering wheel

Tonneau cover

Heated steering wheel

Front accessory power socket

Driver and passenger front seat pockets

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Driver and front passenger seat armrests

Leather gearshift knob

Fabric/Water repellent upholstery

Plating interior door handles

Cargo net hooks

Interior Lights

Front/rear courtesy lights

Front map lights

Trunk light

Vanity mirror illumination

Safety

Rear side airbags

Front side airbags

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Child locks on rear doors

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Driver knee airbag

Passenger SRS airbag cut-off device

Front and rear seat belt with emergency locking retractor

Driver SRS airbag (single stage inflation)

Front and rear side curtain airbag

Deflation warning system

Front centre airbag

Whiplash lessening front headrests

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear head restraints

Driver's seat height adjustment

Front head restraints

Magic seat flexibility system

60/40 split rear bench seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Isofix points

Single front passenger seat

Security

Immobiliser

Security alarm

Honda super locks

Remote central locking with 2 remote folding keys

Smart entry + Smart start

Mirrors and windows key fob operation

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

16" 3D chrome H centre cap alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 0.7

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 89

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 65

CO: 0.039

HC: 0.01

NOx: 0.01

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 89

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 88

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 94

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 140

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 108

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 73

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 89.5

CC: 1498

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 13.5:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

WLTP - MPG - Low: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 72.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 68.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 45.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 58.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 4.8

General

Coin Series: Crosstar Advance

Coin Description: i-MMD

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 90000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22A

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 80

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 122

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 5

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.7

Top Speed: 109

Engine Power - BHP: 122

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 90

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 187

Engine Torque - NM: 253

Engine Torque - RPM: 4500

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 185/60 R16

Tyre Size Rear: 185/60 R16

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 3D CHROME

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4105

Width: 1725

Wheelbase: 2520

Width (including mirrors): 1966

Height: 1556

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1248

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1690

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 500

Max. Loading Weight: 442

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 304

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 50

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1205

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.1

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Black painted roof

Premium plus paint

Packs

Illumination pack - Jazz Hybrid

Sports interior pack - Jazz

Crosstar colour pack - Jazz

Paint - Solid

Solid - Crystal black

Paint - Special

Premium plus paint - Crystal red

Premium plus paint - Sunlight white

Premium paint - Fjord mist

Towing

Detachable tow bar with 13 pin harness

Trim - Cloth

Fabric/Water repellent cloth - Black